How many mortars are typically included in a platoon?

A typical mortar platoon is designed to provide indirect fire support and includes a sufficient number of mortars to effectively cover the operational needs of the units it supports. The standard configuration for most maneuver units is to have either four or more mortars, which allows for flexibility in positioning, overlapping fire for increased effectiveness, and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. This structure enables the platoon to deliver a continuous and effective barrage of fire when required.

Additionally, having four or more mortars ensures that there are enough personnel and equipment to handle different types of missions, such as fire support for infantry, counter-battery fire, and other tactical engagements. The correct number of mortars permits team members to rotate duties effectively, ensuring sustained operations without overwhelming any single unit.

In contrast, having only one or two mortars would limit the platoon’s effectiveness in providing broad fire coverage and reduce its operational capacity during engagements. Thus, a mortar platoon is typically organized around the principle of having a sufficient number of resources to meet varying mission profiles efficiently.